All posts by Loretta George

Fort Scott, Government

Rachel Pruitt Brings Lawsuit Against The City of Fort Scott

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Rachel Pruitt

 

Fortscott.biz is presenting the information of the lawsuit filed by Rachel Pruitt in March 2021 against the City of Fort Scott.

This is the plaintiff, Pruitt’s, document filed in court:

Rachel-Pruitt-v-City-of-Fort-Scott1(5)

According to court records, on May 5, 2021, the City of Fort Scott was presented with a waiver document.

“The waiver that you are referencing has nothing to do with the merits of Ms. Pruitt’s claims,” according to Forest Rhodes, a partner with Foulston Siefkin, Wichita,  who was the referral to contact given from the City of Fort Scott.  “It is simply a procedural tool that allows the plaintiff to avoid having to engage someone to formally serve the complaint on the City.  In a nutshell, the City has agreed to voluntarily accept service of the Complaint, which also allows it to avoid the potential of having service costs imposed against it.”

“In terms of next steps, later this month the City will file an Answer that responds to the allegations in the Complaint,” Foulston said in an email.  “Sometime after the Answer has been filed the Court will set a scheduling conference in order to establish a schedule for the case.”

Pruitt has requested a trial by jury, according to the March 21 document.

“It’s too early to know when a trial might be scheduled but the various litigation activities that occur prior to trial often take as much as a year or more, so it’s unlikely that any trial would be scheduled before Summer 2022, although that’s all subject to the court’s determination.”

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Update: Free Bounce Houses

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Shawn O’Brien, president of the Good Ol’ Days Stearing Committee has some good news and some bad news.

“Bad news- our carnival had to cancel due to staffing issues,” he said. “We have been very fortunate to get bounce houses to place on the grassy area north of the blockhouse,  east of Luther’s BBQ (at Oak and National Avenue).  The bounce houses will be free for all kids. There is a wide variety for all ages. Come check them out.”

The 40th annual Fort Scott event continues on with a parade, foods galore, talent and baby contests, live music, vendors lining Main Street, displays, tournaments, a petting zoo, a zip line, balloonist, and Friday and Saturday street dances- something for everyone.

In addition, there are other freebies:

Vendors lined Main Street in 2017.
“We will have a movie night on Friday and Saturday around 8:30 p.m. at sunset at Skubitz plaza,” O’Brien said. “We will have a different movie each night and free popcorn.”
Movies chosen by a poll on the Good Ol’ Days Facebook page are “Twister” and  “Grease,” he said.
Kids can get a free t-shirt.
“We will have tye die t-shirts for the first 150 kids,” O’Brien said. ” Thanks to Modern Woodmen Insurance, Highway3 and Shirt Shack for their generosity.”
“We will also have caricature drawings and balloon artist for free,’ he said.
Check out their webpage at
www.fortscottgoodoldays.com and click on schedule.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Minutes of May 11

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May 11, 2021                                       Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Susan Bancroft, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Scott Shelton, Anne Dare, Mark McCoy, Nancy Van Etten, Sparky Schroeder, Michael Hoyt, June Bloomfield and Heather Ethridge.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous Commission meeting, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.

 

Eric said the wood-top bridge on Victory between 265th & 267th had failed; he said he is doing a study to get a cost to repair the bridge.

 

Eric said they are removing the overburden at the Blake Quarry.

 

Eric said they had the yearly inspection at the Landfill and are waiting on this report to come back.

 

Eric said KDOT reviewed (audited) a bridge to make sure the results were the same as the annual bridge inspection.

 

Eric said grader #36 (a 2010 with 8,924 hours) has metal shavings in the transmission fluid; it’s estimated to cost $32,000 to repair.  Eric said there is some money in the special machinery fund, but said there are other expenses that will come out of this fund.  Susan Bancroft said she would present debt service numbers to the Commissioners soon. Eric reported that there are two other 2010 graders with 14,300 & 12,742 hours. The Commissioners will discuss the grader at a later date.

 

Eric said they have a bridge truck with a bad motor; he had two possible replacement options; one for $23,500 & one for $27,500.  Jim made a motion to give Eric permission to view the 2013 International for $23,500 and if Eric likes it to buy it, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jayhawk Wind update: Eric said the capping of the roads has been completed.  He said they will continue to maintain the roads in the area and are putting in cross tubes.  Eric said they did repairs on 20th Street between 39 Highway and Eagle.

 

Jim told Eric he did a good job getting data for T&C Wildlife.

 

Lynne asked Eric if he had reviewed the traffic report for Fern Road; Eric said he wasn’t sure if this involved Jayhawk Wind or others doing work in this area.

 

Eric said crushing is going well and said they are hauling chips to the asphalt plant.

 

BNSF Bridge overview (located on old 69 Highway); Lynne said he had talked to Will Wallis and was told it had been signed off on for a disaster payout of $120,000 and said Eric is looking at State grants for bridges.  Lynne said because of this money it was probable that the County would have the money available for the matching 80/20 grant funds.  Jim said the 80/20 grant is for bridges only and will not include other expenses such as inspections, railroad expenses.  Clifton said the public needed to know this bridge was a fracture critical bridge and said it is in bad shape.  Justin said he and Susan can help Eric with the bridge and the grant process.  Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to start the process for BNSF bridge #RS518 regarding grants, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks said if people request signs be placed in the County (kids at play, school) then Eric would meet with the Commissioners about installing the signs.

 

Lynne discussed refinancing the sewer district bonds; he said this would result in lower interest, the payments wouldn’t increase, a shorter debt time frame and approximately $60,220 in savings.  Lynne questioned if they wanted to move forward with refinancing the bonds; Susan said she felt they should move forward due to the savings, but said some people might be delinquent on their sewer district payments and said liens might have to be placed on their property.  Lynne made a motion to move forward with the bond refinancing, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Susan will notify Greg Vahrenberg of the plan to move forward.

 

Jim made a motion to allow Kendell Mason to sign the request to rescind call for redemption for the 2012A & 2012B bonds, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Jim made a motion to appoint Clifton Beth to the Community Corrections Advisory Board, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Scott Shelton met with the Commissioners; he had previously met with them about variances for the installation of septic systems at the housing addition near Redfield.  He presented the Commissioners with a site map with property lines outlined of the homeowners there.  He said he had talked to two different people with KDHE and said they both said that given the situation a septic tank would be the best solution for the problem as long as the local officials are ok with this. Justin Meeks said that variances for lots 2,4 & 5 would be necessary since they are less than an acre, but said 1,6 & 7 were easily an acre.  Justin said this problem is an issue between Redfield City and the housing addition.  Scott said a septic tank contractor said that a septic tank is possible for lots 7,1 & 3; Scott questioned if you could make a system fit in the space provided, why not allow it?  Jim Harris questioned if the residents there had considered a lagoon system; Scott said this had been discussed.  Justin said if the Commissioners wanted to do a variance for a property that is .6 of an acre, he would need to make some phone calls, since they would be taking the minimum of one acre and cutting it 40%.  Scott said they were trying to make this work with the space they had available; and said some homeowners there may not participate in the septic tanks.  Lynne said there are County regulations and said the homeowners had every right to put in a request for a septic tank and said this would go through the environmental department and then if there was a variance needed it would go to the Commissioners.

 

Anne Dare met with the Commissioners regarding the bike trails; she said that the Bourbon County Coalition had met on 5/5/2021 and reported that the bike trail signs had been received and would be placed between Fort Scott and Iola for the ABC Trails (Prairie Pathways).  Anne questioned the cost to install the trails, questioned who had ok’d the trails, asked if safety studies had been done, questioned who would pay for the road improvements, discussed the condition (narrowness of the road) of old 54 Highway and questioned the liability for the trails.  Shane Walker is on the board for the bike trails and told Anne that the PEDNET study was done to show where things could be built, but said the only thing being done is that signs were going up to tie into the 76-bike route and said they were doing this to raise awareness of the bikes on the trails.  Susan Bancroft said there is a PEDNET plan within the city limits of Fort Scott.  Shane said the signs were done to try and make it safer for people on bikes, he said public meetings were held about this.

 

Elected official comment: Bill Martin and Bobby Reed met with the Commissioners; Bill said they have had concerns for several years now; he said one employee is considering leaving employment due to pay and said one employee is working part time elsewhere in addition to his department.  Bill said he was afraid the County would lose a trained employee(s) for a job that would pay more.  Bill suggested having a work session to help educate the community. Bobby said he has two positions that aren’t filled and said they can’t get people to apply.  He said other employers are upping the starting wage to get employees and questioned why the County couldn’t give incentives to stay.  Bobby said he had one employee leaving employment and one interviewing elsewhere for more money.  Bobby discussed the County wage resolution and said that everyone in the same position makes the same wage.  He said they would continue to lose employees for people going elsewhere for more pay and said the Commissioners were the only ones that could fix this.  Jim questioned if either of them had considered a step system for wages; they were told to present this to the Commissioners and work with Susan regarding their budgets and wages.  Bobby said his department has a step system, but said the bottom line was that a correctional officer starts out at $12.14/hour vs. public works at $12.99/hour. Bobby said it seemed harder for offices that are out of the scope of the Commissioners to get things done; Lynne said they had worked with the Attorney’s office when they re-did the pay schedules there.  Bill questioned where the money would come from for raises. He said lack of supervision and training are the top two issues for lawsuits.  Bill suggested offering extra pay incentives for extra training and certification.  Lynne said to work with Susan during the budget process.  Susan said the County could never be able to compete with the public sector, but said they needed to consider the benefits here, she said the “benefits here are rich”.  Susan said that wage bands take a lot more planning, she said they are waiting on the audit to be done and then will start building budgets.  Bobby said if we have a valued employee that we have invested training and time in we should do something to retain the employee so we don’t loose them.  Bobby discussed a secretary at the Courthouse making $2/hour more than his secretary.  Lynne said when Jim Harris presented pay levels (bands), he showed where they could save in order to do this; Lynne said they have given people raises if they give them more work, but said he didn’t hear any talk about more work for their employees.  Lynne said they gave a person a raise due to more work; Bobby questioned why the additional work wasn’t offered elsewhere, Lynne said if was offered to others in the Courthouse. Susan said wage bands are offered when people obtain more education or advance to a different job, she said she felt every position should be evaluated.  Bill said his opinion was that our benefits weren’t that great.  Clifton said not everyone is worth the same pay and said he didn’t know what Bobby’s secretary did or the qualifications and felt that Bill should set the wage scale for his department.  Bill said the majority of corporate businesses give raises every few years; he said the prior Commissioners gave him a pay raise to $60,000; he suggested reducing his salary back down to give the money to his employees.

 

Justin Meeks said the County did not have a noise ordinance and said since we didn’t have one, it would be hard to enforce any problems with loud noises in the County.

 

Justin said he was doing research and working on a cemetery issue; he said Susan will review the budgets for this cemetery.

 

Justin said a KORA request would be coming to the County regarding an election issue from the 1980’s; he said this would deal with some city issues.

 

Tax Sale – Justin said the County would have two tax sales in 2021; he said he is getting some certified mail back and said some people are paying back taxes.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship with possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:44, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  At 10:44 Clifton made a motion to resume the normal meeting, Jim seconded and all approved.  Lynne made a motion to allow Clifton to call an individual familiar with the BWERKS operation, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy regarding an administrative issue and a job function, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:52, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks).  At 10:54, Clifton made a motion to resume the Commission meeting and said there was no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne introduced the new BEDCO Economic Development Director Rob Herrington; his office is on the 2nd floor of the Landmark Bank. Rob said he was looking forward to working with the City, the County and the businesses and hoped to grow Bourbon County and better the County.

 

Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Eric Bailey to talk about a truck, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Eric said that the Special Bridge department had budgeted for a truck and said he had found a 2007 dump truck with 30,000 miles on it for $30,000.  Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to look at this truck and purchase it for up to $30,000 with the budgeted money, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Susan Bancroft met with the Commissioners; she discussed SB13/HB 2104.  She said the tax lid was removed from legislature and said there are new ways to do the budget.  She said whatever was levied last year is what you can budget for this year, unless you have a special hearing (the tax rate hearing is a hearing to exceed the revenue neutral rate (RNR)) – she said you can’t exceed or there will be penalties.  She said October 1 would be the certification date if exceeding the RNR.  She said that public safety is no longer an exception to the revenue neutral rate.

 

Public Comment: Sparky Schroeder said he heard the Commissioners were looking at County zoning; the Commissioners said they had a preliminary discussion about this, Sparky asked if this would be voted on, the Commissioners said yes.  Sparky asked if this zoning would only apply to the County; Lynne said this would only be the County.  Sparky said when he went door-to-door he heard two issues from the voters: zoning and joining the City and County together.  He suggested being fair with the property owners and their property rights. He said if zoning is implemented then the cost of government will get extremely high.  He said he didn’t believe in zoning.  He discussed the 30×30 plan and said the government wants control of 30% of the land by 2030 and control of 50% by 2050.  He compared the Kansas tax rate to other states.  He said it is easier to fix a problem if you come with a solution and said more people need to get involved and work together and not against.

Michael Hoyt said he a had counted 5 issues that a well-organized citizens advisory board could help with if they were involved in the correct way. Jim Harris agreed.

Clint Walker commended public works for a culvert that was installed; he said this will keep the gravel from being washed away and will save money.  He said that Linn County was having the same issues retaining public work employees.

 

Jim Harris suggested when doing the annual budgets that they hear from the public on what their needs are.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship with possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:33, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  At 11:34, Lynne made a motion to return to the meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Justin asked that Lynne be able to sign a release for the BWERKS property.  Jim suggested inspecting the property before and after they move it; Justin said that Susan had looked at the property and said one piece of property has already been damaged.  Jim made a motion to allow Lynne to review and add information to the release agreement and to sign the agreement to recover the property belonging to BWERKS and to inspect prior to and after the move, Lynne seconded, Jim and Lynne both voted yes on this issue and Clifton voted no.  Clifton said this is County property and said we shouldn’t have to sign a release to get our property back, he said this is an abuse of power and abuse of the law.  Lynne said they needed to expedite the process and get the property back; he said the County is responsible for BWERKS until 12/31/2021.  Jim made an additional motion to get Susan, Shane and Lynne involved in the move and to inspect the property, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Commissioners Comment: Clifton said regarding 30×30; vote for your Federal elected officials.  Anne questioned if there was a way to put something in place to protect property rights would you look at it; Clifton said yes.  Clifton said he wasn’t sold on citizens advisory boards, but said if someone wants to start one, they can.  Michael Hoyt suggested the Commissioners pick a topic and then select people to focus on this topic.  Anne said only a few had shown an interest in the advisory boards.

 

Clifton said he should have an update on healthcare in the next few weeks.

 

At 11:44, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

May 18, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of May 25

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May 25, 2021                                       Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following, (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting); Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Anne Dare, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Susan Bancroft, Rob Herrington, Mark Mccoy, Shane Walker and Frank Halsey.

 

Jim made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.

 

Eric Bailey presented a culvert permit that had been completed for 1068 238th Street, the Commissioners signed the permit.

 

Eric reported they attended CIC training and are looking at moving forward with the time clock usage for the Road & Bridge department; he said they will use the cellphones to clock in or out, Jim questioned what employees without a phone would use; Eric said there is one employee without a phone.

 

Eric reported that MSHAW training will be June 2-4th.

 

Eric said they have started clearing bridge decks with a skid steer.

 

They plan to start pulling the shoulders tomorrow at 250th & Arrowhead.

 

They are working around cemeteries to prepare for Memorial Day.  Lynne said that Hatch Cemetery needs rock; Eric said this will be taken care of.

 

They are trying to crush at the quarry, but are dealing with the weather.

 

Jayhawk Wind update: Eric said they are also dealing with the wet weather, but are working on private roads and working on a low water crossing.

 

Lynne reported that the Uniontown Mayor and KDWP is in the process of fixing the pond at 75th & Maple Road; Lynne said they need rock and hauling labor and suggested that the County do an in-kind contribution of labor and rock.  Eric said he would discuss this with Uniontown and KDWP.

 

Lynne said KDWP has grant money and if awarded Elm Creek could use the grant to repair the dam, Lynne will give the grant information to Susan Bancroft.  Lynne said Susan will need the cost to repair the dam from Eric.  Jim reported that the last time they tried the valve at Elm Creek it didn’t work.

 

Eric reported that a tube had been ordered for the road that was recently closed.

 

Richard Horton met with the Commissioners to discuss Project 17; (this involves the 17 counties in our surrounding area).  He asked if Bourbon County still wanted to be associated with Project 17 and said there was no fee to join.  Their organization takes issues that are going on in each of the Counties and takes those issues to their board to help find connections and solutions.  The four main areas they focus on are Economic Development, Workforce Development, Leadership and Health.  Lynne asked Richard Horton to contact the BEDCO Economic Development Director Rob Herrington.  All three of the Commissioners wanted to be associated with Project 17.

 

Joshua Sapp with Heartland Benefits Group, a representative from Corporate Plan Management as well as a representative from Oread Rx met with the Commissioners regarding health insurance benefits beginning in 2021.  Mr. Sapp said the County paid $1,478,269.97 for health benefits in 2020 and only utilized $731,156.31 worth of benefits.  He said the State Health Plan (the current County insurance carrier) rates will go up 2.8% in June.  Heartland Benefits can offer a partially self-funded program and can customize a plan based on the County needs.  They said by being fully insured through the State, we have been preparing for the worse, but said if we don’t use the insurance, we are losing money and said if the County were self-funded the County could retain funds.  They can mirror the current plan or can build a different plan to meet our needs.  They can offer NexUS (aligns physician, member and employer incentives to drive down the cost of care while improving the quality of care), Hostcare Resources (a company that looks for procedures that could be performed cheaper elsewhere), Whole Health Solutions (EAP, Telemedicine, Health & Wellness Program & Human Resource Counseling).  Clifton said with a former insurance carrier he had that he had to jump through hoops to earn discounts and questioned if it was the same way with Heartland Benefits Group; Joshua said that if they couldn’t get all of the needed claim’s data, then they would need health questionnaires filled out by the employees.  Joshua encouraged the County to be fully funded the first few years and then be a partially funded plan later in order to build up reserves.  Susan said that the health insurance for the county employees would be a good topic for an advisory board.

 

Rob Herrington with BEDCO met with the Commissioners; he requested that the Commissioners provide BEDCO with up to $100,000 of the PILOT money in order for BEDCO to give the money out in grants for quality-of-life issues.  Susan Bancroft said she had contacted Terry Sercer and Terry told her that the County could use this money at their own discretion.  Rob said that the City of Fulton needed assistance with tearing down houses, Lynne said all of the communities want help.  Rob said with this program he would have people fill out applications and the applications would then go before the BEDCO board for approval and said this could be a matching grant. Lynne discussed the Gunn Park Trails and said this was an economic draw to our community and said if it could be improved it would be a resource to draw more people to our community.  Lynne said the request was to have $25,000 for the completion of the Gunn Park bike trails.  Lynne suggested dedicating $25,000 to Gunn Park trails and increase the total from $100,000 to $125,000.  Jim said he wanted the money to be used to focus on the community and not to be used for tearing houses down.  Jim made a motion to approve $125,000 out of the PILOT money with $25,000 dedicated to the Gunn Park Trails as a grant program through BEDCO, Clifton seconded and stated that we were giving BEDCO more money, but said BEDCO could turn this money into more money, Mark McCoy a member of the BEDCO board said he would make sure the funds were spent ethically and distributed properly, all approved the motion.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for a 5-minute executive session, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships and said the subject would be trade secrets of a corporation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:52, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Rob Herrington).  At 10:52, Clifton made a motion to return to open session and said there was no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Greg Vahrenberg met with the Commissioners via telephone regarding refinancing the sewer district bonds; Greg said they had completed the sale of the 2021 bonds for the sewer district and said by doing this it shortened the payment period 3 years; the interest went from 2.75% to 2.41% and there was a savings of $54,317.  Clifton made a motion to adopt Resolution 17-21 a Resolution for the General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2021-B, Jim seconded and all approved and all signed the paperwork.

 

Susan Bancroft met with the Commissioners; she said she had been attending conference calls on what the ARPA money could be used for.  She said the County would be receiving $2.8 million.  She said there would be a lot of reporting that would need completed and said the County would need to get registered and someone would have to draw down the funds; the Commissioners asked that she do this.  Susan said when the money is received it would need to be put in a separate fund.  Susan said the cities would get their own funding, but was unsure of townships.  Susan said she is starting to help with budgets and said Terry Sercer is still working on the 2020 audit and said the County should have the audit the first part of July.  Susan and Frank Halsey will put together an advisory board for the County health insurance.

 

Commissioners Comment: the Commissioners and Susan Bancroft plan to attend KAC in October and asked that Kendell enroll them for the conference and reserve hotel rooms.

 

At 11:08, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

 

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

June 1, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government

New FS Tourism Manager: Jackson Tough

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Jackson Tough. Submitted photo.
W. Jackson Tough, 52, is the new Fort Scott Tourism Manager.
 
“I have some commitments related to my position as the El Dorado Springs, Missouri Chamber of Commerce CEO/Executive Director so I will be full-time as of Monday, June 21,” Tough said. “However, I do plan to attend some functions and meetings to immerse myself into the new position before the start date.”
“I’ve spent quite a bit of time around Fort Scott the past two and a half years since my wife, Michele Love Tough is a life-long resident,” he said. “We reside just south of town, adjacent to the family farm near her parents, Bob and Joyce Love.”
“I’ve spent many years in marketing and promotion, from broadcast media in Springfield to promoting businesses and communities in a rural area.,” Tough said.” I’m a native of El Dorado Springs, Missouri which is just about thirty-six miles east of Fort Scott.”

Tough has been the CEO / Executive Director at El Dorado Springs, MO Chamber of Commerce – from September 2012 to June 2021.

“As the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, I was deeply involved in our community on many levels,” he said.” I participated on many boards and committees; Discover More on Route 54 which promotes the US Highway 54 corridor from Jefferson City to Nevada, the Opera House Theater board which is about maintaining the historic theater and promotion of the arts (especially for our youth), the El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools Capital Improvements Committee, the Spring City Revitalization Group as well as all of the committees through the chamber organization.
“I really look forward to taking an active role in Fort Scott as well!”

“I developed professional networks, created marketing plans for our organization and community, and united business and community leaders,” Tough said. “Along with our members and staff, I developed and coordinated community events including National Day of Prayer, Clean-Up El Do Campaign, Annual Excellence in El Dorado Springs Awards Gala and coordinated monthly chamber luncheons for 50-60 attendees.”

“I also developed and implemented tourism activities, attractions, and events including Patriot Parkway – forty-eight US flags (on 48 utility poles) along a one mile stretch of US Highway 54 in El Dorado Springs, Spring City-Wide Sale, Labor Day Weekend 100 Mile Sale from Camdenton to Nevada, Spring City Spooktacular is a Halloween event that draws hundreds to the community, Christmas Parade, Lighting Celebration, and our annual Holiday Expo among others.”

“I Initiated and coordinated community betterment projects, published a weekly e-newsletter, and I’m the primary administrator for our social media and press releases,” he said.

Before that, he was the marketing and events director for Spring City Revitalization Group (El Dorado Springs, MO) from October 2006 to August 2012.

In this job he developed and coordinated marketing and events for downtown revitalization including grants, an annual chili cook-off, summer concert series, and more, he said.

 

From 1999 to 2005 Tough was the station and sales manager for Clear Channel Communications (Springfield, MO).

In this position, he designed marketing strategies and promotional events with staff on behalf of clients to increase their business revenue and market share, as well as managed daily sales operations for US97 and ESPN 1400. He was also an on-air personality and voiceover production.

Tough attended El Dorado Springs, MO R-2 Schools, and Missouri State University.
Tough has a new bride, Michele Love Tough, two daughters in college, both studying in the medical field, two “bonus” daughters, one in El Dorado Springs and one in Frederick, Maryland and three grandsons.
 “I see a lot of opportunities here and I believe Fort Scott has so much to offer visitors! ” Tough said. “I know quite a bit about the community but I also believe I bring “fresh eyes” to the community and to our tourism.”
 
 
Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC Update: Planning the Reno and Adding New Family Physician

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Financial assistance and sliding fee discounts are available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, is still in the planning stage of the new site they purchased, the old Price Chopper store at 2322 S. Main.

“Planning on the renovation of Price Chopper is going smoothly,” Krista Postai, CEO and president, said. “It will have walk-in care along with regular medical clinic space and diagnostic, including x-ray, CT-scanner and bone density diagnostic equipment, offices for behavioral health/addiction treatment staff and other support staff and a drive-through pharmacy.”

 

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

 

“No start date for renovation, as of yet,” Postai said.

“To help offset the expense of renovation, CHC/SEK was the recipient of a $1.1 million federal grant through the American Rescue Plan,” she said. “A large portion of the diagnostic equipment will also be covered by an $11.3 million grant that CHC/SEK received through the American Rescue Plan for Health Centers program.”

New Family Physician Is Added

“Dr. Sarah Bradshaw, a board-certified family physician with additional training in treating allergies will be joining the Ft. Scott Medical Staff in June,” Postai said. “Dr. Bradshaw is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Missouri of Kansas City. She also has a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Kansas School of Public Health. She was formerly employed by Allen County Regional Hospital.”

“Her time will be initially split between Iola and Ft. Scott,” she said. ” Her schedule is now being finalized and more details will be available this week.”

 

Fort Scott

FS Public Library Newsletter June 1, 2021

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Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
June 1, 2021

Fort Scott Public Library will be opening to the public on June 1st. Our hours will be 9:30-5:30 Monday through Friday, and 9:30-1:30 Saturdays. Masks are not required, but patrons are encouraged to follow the current CDC recommendations. We will have hand sanitizer and a supply of disposable masks available for those who need them.
Patrons are asked to limit browsing the stacks to thirty minutes. Newspapers and magazines may be checked out for reading at home. We will not have a seating area for reading in the library.
We will continue to have our “curbside” service for those who prefer it. We realize this service has been popular, as we’ve had 3,730 scheduled pickups of over 13,000 materials. We are renaming it NextDayGrab&Go. If you wish to use this service, place holds on items or let us know what items you need, then arrange with library staff as to what date and time you plan to come pick up your items. We will have them checked out and ready for you to pick up at the downstairs circulation desk. Just tell us your account number when you come in. If you prefer, we can place them in the entryway where we’ve been placing items for patrons to pick up.
Also we will still have our themed book bags available to check out. These include 10 books on a topic either for kids Birth – 1st Grade or for kids 2nd – 5th Grades. We keep a list at the circulation desks of the topics currently available. You can arrange to check out book bags when you’re here to browse the stacks by letting us know a day ahead of time, or you can schedule NextDayGrab&Go, and we’ll have the book bags ready for you to pick up. The books need to be returned. The bag, and any goodies in it, are for the child to keep.
For a few weeks, we will still be calling everyone with holds available to check out at the library. Unless you tell us otherwise, we will assume you are coming in person to check out items, and they will be located at the upstairs circulation desk. If you haven’t already set your account to receive email or text notifications about holds, staff can assist you. Sadly, T-Mobile and Sprint cannot send library text notifications, so you’ll need to arrange for notifications by email if you have those providers. We will continue to call anyone who doesn’t set their account to receive emails or texts, so don’t worry if you prefer to hear our voices.
Items can be returned in the book drop or inside the library at either circulation desk. If you have items that belong to Fort Scott Public Library that have already been processed as unreturned and are still in good condition, you can return them until June 30th , and we will remove the charges from your account. If you have items that belong to other libraries that have already been processed as unreturned, we have already paid the owning library for the items, and your account won’t be reinstated until you reimburse Fort Scott Public Library.
We have set up several temporary stations downstairs for wifi use in the library. These stations and the public computers are limited to one hour’s use per day. We will be adding software soon that will make it easier for patrons to remember if they’ve already used the library computers by logging in with their library cards.
Our public restrooms and drinking fountain are available for use. We still are not accepting donations of any materials. Weather permitting, we will continue to place free books on the north lawn.
Library programming continues to be virtual. Follow us on Facebook or check our website fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org to see our program schedule. We are beginning some new programming on the library’s Discord Server, including coloring for all ages, online jigsaw puzzles, and many teen programs. You can sign up for our Discord Server through our Facebook or website.
Coming soon, we will have wifi hotspots for patrons to check out. These devices will allow you to connect devices to wifi from home or anywhere that can find a cell tower.
The library will close at 2:00 on Friday, June 4th and will be closed on Saturday, June 5th for Good Ol’ Days.
Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-2882
fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/
Art, Bourbon County

Artists Sought For Art Walk June 25

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Bourbon County Arts Council’s annual art walk is seeking artists to display their work.
The annual art walk is on June 25 from 5-8 p.m. at the Liberty Theater/Crooners Lounge patio 113 S. Main Street.
“Items sold must be creative, original pieces, no national companies,”  said Deb Anderson, spokesperson. “Artists are responsible for their own display  needs and setup.”
The BCAC Wine Stroll in 2017
The mission of the council is: To foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation, and practice of the arts.
 
The cost to display/sell their art is $15 for non-member of the council, free to council members.
Food and drink for the art walk is available to purchase from Crooner’s Restaurant.
In the event of inclement weather the event would be canceled, Anderson said.
For more information contact Anderson at [email protected]  or 224-8650  or Terri Floyd at 224-7221.
Current members of the council are Anderson, Floyd, Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Elaine Buerge, Bre Eden, Steve Floyd, Deb Halsey, Laura Meeks, Linda Noll, Tedena Tucker, and Chris Woods.
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Bourbon County Cars Expands

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Bourbon County Cars is moving from this location. Submitted photos.

Bourbon County Cars, a local used car dealer, is moving July 1.

“We’ve been looking for a place to buy on the highway, for several years,” Josh Jones, general manager, said.

“I wanted to own the building so we can carry more inventory,” he said.

“We are moving about 25 steps away to the south,” Dave Shepherd, president, and owner of the business said.

The current business location is 15 E. Huntington Blvd., the new location is 1810 S. Main Street, the recently vacated property of Pizza Hut.

“The location is a little better,” Shepherd said. “More inventory display area.”

Steve Anthony (Sales), Josh Jones (General Manager), Josh Binford (Sales), David Shepherd (Owner/President) and
Bud Hall (Sales). Submitted photos.

Expanding

“We have started stocking newer inventory,” Shepherd said.

Along with expanding the inventory, to include newer model cars, the business also has added some additional financial services, Shepherd said.

“For customers who qualify, there will be financing rates as good as anywhere,” he said.

The business offers both in-house financing and outside financing, Jones said.

In addition, a new salesman has been hired, Jones said.

On The Horizon

Jones will take over the business, eventually.

“I don’t want to do this for the rest of my life,” he said. “Josh is somebody I trust….the goal is for Josh to buy it (the business).

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Sports

Tiger Track Team Send Off Today at 1 p.m.

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FSHS Tiger Track
Sendoff to State!
Join along the route!
Wave & cheer to the qualifiers!
See information below.
Sendoff Details
TODAY
Thursday, May 27th, 1pm
Celebrate the successful season and wish the
Tiger Track team good luck at the State Meet!
FSPD and the Fire Dept. will lead,
leaving the High School at 1pm.
Line National Ave. from 7th Street
going north to the end of National.
Go Tigers!
Ella Beth in the 800 (middle)
Kenzi Hardesty in the 1600 (left)
Kenzi and Mesa Casper (right) in the 3200.
4×100 Relay team Nate Adams, Donald Harper, Scott Tome, and Jamar Franks
Noah Martin, Disk Thrower
Bobby Kemmerer, High Jump – Missing pic of Chase Hyer, also High Jump
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

First Normal Production For FSHS Drama During Pandemic: “The Legend of Mulan” This Weekend

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“The Legend of Mulan” production will be featured on May 28 and 29 at Fort Scott High School. This is the first “normal” drama production of the school year, according to FSHS Drama Teacher Angie Bin.

The playwright, Kathryn Schultz Miller describes the show as an epic journey over mountains, rivers, through hills and valleys of fear and courage and human emotions of a girl who wants to make her mark and leave the world a better place, according to Bin in a press release.

Angie Bin from her Facebook page.

For two weeks, 40 students, first through ninth grade, have spent preparing for the production.

Performances are at 7 p.m. on May 28 and 2 p.m. on May 29 at the
Fort Scott High School Auditorium.

The character of Mulan is played by 8th grader Ashley Cannon. Other notable characters include Captain Cheng, portrayed by freshman Mykael Lewis; Pika the Rabbit played by 6th grader Abel Chaplin and 7th grader Chrislen Newman; Imoogi the Dragon played by 7th graders Izzy Budd and Ana Rupprecht; and Momo, the Emperor’s Assistant, played by freshman Kaiden Clary, according to the press release.

The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians.

FSHS Senior Christina King is the director, assisted by sophomore Regen Wells who also serves as stage manager and choreographer Kinsley Davis, a junior.

Technical staff include sophomore Lexi Hill – lighting designer, senior Khris Patel – sound designer, senior Breena Cox – music
director, sophomore Silvia Moreno – props and set designer, and junior Izzy Carreno – music operator. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders.

Tickets for the show should be purchased in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com.

Adults are $8 and children are $6. There may be tickets available for purchase at the door, but seating is limited. Masks and social distancing are required. Doors open 30
minutes prior to showtime.

About Drama Camp

Campers learn all aspects of performing. From Facebook.

Teacher Angie Bin started Tiger Drama Camp in 2014 as a way to teach younger children about the art of theatre both on the stage and behind the scenes.

“Several years ago we decided to expand the camp into a full production,” she said. “The first week is focused on introducing students to ways to use their bodies and voices on stage and how to design the technical elements of the theatre such as lighting, sound, costuming, make-up, and set design. The second week is focused on technical and dress rehearsals to prepare for the public performances.

“The camp is led by high school drama students who also utilize the production as a fundraiser to assist them in traveling to the Kansas State and International Thespian festivals or Broadway Tours in New York City,” Bin said.

“We have found that holding drama camp at the end of May is ideal as it does not interfere with other recreational activities or high school camps,” she said. “It also allows our high school drama students to begin designing the set and costuming before the school year ends. It is a great way for the students to jump-start their summer activities.”

The COVID-19 Pandemic affected how Bin taught drama students.

“We were initially set to produce ‘The Legend of Mulan’ last summer, but were unable to due to the pandemic,” she said.  “Our performances this year have been very different from our normal production year.”

“We decided to shift our musical from the fall to the spring this year and were unable to hold our annual children’s Christmas show,” Bin said. “Our fall production was ‘The Monologue Show (from Hell)’ which allowed our students to rehearse in small numbers and as students were quarantined, they were able to still participate by video or through Zoom.”

“Instead of mounting a full-scale musical in the spring, we opted for a musical revue with individual solos and small group numbers and performed it in conjunction with our annual ‘Royal-Tea Party.’ ‘The Legend of Mulan’ will be our most normal production of the year, although students and audience members will still be masked.”

Upcoming FSHS Drama Events:

FSHS Musical Auditions – Aug. 30 – 31 at 7 p.m.

Ranked the Musical – Nov. 9, 11, 13 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.

Children’s Christmas show auditions: Nov. 15 – 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Children’s Christmas show performances: Dec. 10- 11 at 7 p.m., Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Bourbon County Positions Up For Election 2021

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Voters at  Bourbon County Clerk’s Office in a prior election…

Next Tuesday, June 1,  is the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming Bourbon County elections. The deadline is noon.

“We have the paperwork for anyone wanting to file,” Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk said.

As of May 25, the following have filed to run:

For the Fort Scott City Commission – Matthew Wells and Michael Hoyt.

For the Bronson City Council – Clearsia Botts.

For Uniontown Mayor – Bill Marlow.

For Redfield Mayor – Wilma K. Graham.

For Redfield City Council – Kirby Martin and Michael Beerbower.

For Mapleton Mayor – Ronald B. Burton Jr.

For Mapleton City Council – Mike Blevins and Homer Wisdom.

For USD 234 Position #4 – David Stewart

For USD 235 Position #6 – Tyler J. Martin

For FSCC Board of Trustees- John Bartelsmeyer and Bill Meyer.

The following is information for the 2021 Bourbon County Election and the positions up for election supplied by the county clerk.

All the filing deadlines, for each entity,  is noon June 1st, 2021.

The filing location is the Bourbon County Clerk office, 210 S. National, Fort Scott.

The General Election will be on November 2, 2021.

In the city of Fort Scott, there are three city commission members, two of which are for four-year terms and one for two years. The filing fee is $20 or petition signed by not less than 25 qualified electors of Fort Scott and state filing fee of $50.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Up for election in Bronson is the mayor position and two council members, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Bronson for Bronson.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for Council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

Those positions up for election in Fulton are the mayor and five council members, all four-year terms.

The filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 5 qualified electors of Fulton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 15 qualified candidates file for council then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Uniontown and Redfield the positions of mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 20 (10%) of qualified electors of Uniontown for Uniontown.

A petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Redfield for Redfield.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Mapleton, the mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 2 qualified electors of Mapleton for Mapleton.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on

 

For the Southwind Extension District, there are 2 positions, both for four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20.

 

For the Fort Scott School District, there are three positions, all for four-year terms.

The filing fee is $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #234 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For the Uniontown School District, there are three positions, all four-year terms.

There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #235 District.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

For Fort Scott Community College there are three positions, all four-year terms. The filing fee is $20.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.

 

 

Any person wishing to file for any office must be a qualified elector of the corresponding city or school district.

If filing by petition, the petition must be turned in within 180 days after the first signature was collected, but no later than noon on June 1st, 2021.